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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07689513

Brain Type, Playing Position, and Mental Toughness in Amateur Soccer Players

This observational study aims to investigate the association between brain type, determined by the second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio, playing position, and mental toughness among amateur soccer players. A total of 270 licensed amateur soccer players participated in the study. Mental toughness was assessed using the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ), while brain type was determined by measuring the 2D:4D digit ratio. The study examines whether mental toughness differs according to brain type and playing position, providing insight into the neuropsychological characteristics of soccer players and their potential relationship with psychological performance.

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Key information

Conditions

Mental Toughness 2D:4D Digit Ratio Football Sports Psychology

Age range

16 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Istanbul Gelisim University

Istanbul, 34290, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Licensed amateur soccer player.
  • Aged between 16 and 40 years.
  • Currently participating in regular soccer training and competitions.
  • Able to understand and complete the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ).
  • Provided written informed consent prior to participation.

Exclusion criteria

  • Professional soccer players.
  • History of neurological or psychiatric disorders that could affect psychological assessment.
  • Upper extremity deformity or injury preventing accurate 2D:4D measurement.
  • Incomplete questionnaire or missing study data.
  • Declined or withdrew informed consent.

Treatment and study plan

Observational Assessment

Other

No intervention was administered. Participants underwent assessment of the second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio and completed the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ).

Primary outcomes

  1. Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) Total Score

    Time frame: Baseline (single assessment)

    Mental toughness was assessed using the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ), a validated 14-item self-report questionnaire. Total scores range from 14 to 56, with higher scores indicating greater mental toughness. The total score was compared among brain type (Type A, Type B, and Type C) groups and playing positions.

Secondary outcomes

  1. 2D:4D Digit Ratio Classification

    Time frame: Baseline (single assessment)

    Brain type was determined by manually measuring the second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio of the hands. Participants were classified as Type A, Type B, or Type C according to predefined criteria.

  2. Playing Position Classification

    Time frame: Baseline (single assessment)

    Participants were categorized according to their playing positions (goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, or striker) to evaluate differences in mental toughness.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul Gelisim University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Association Between Brain Type (2D:4D Digit Ratio), Playing Position, and Mental Toughness Among Amateur Soccer Players

Acronym: BTP-MT

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jul 8, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 8, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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